Originally, jape had two totally different meanings, to trick or jeer and to seduce or have sexual intercourse with. Due to this disparity, it fell into disuse for about three centuries.

4 hours ago, Bill W said:

I can see why it fell into disuse.  Unless you think of 'to ape' a behavior, the word itself doesn't lend to thinking of its meaning in this way.  I much prefer using mock instead.  

 

I can see it being used in an alliterative context.